William World News William F. Yurasko's blog v.14 – Nats, Redskins, Capitals, D.C. life, transportation, not so much Penn State anymore,

Five years ago, the Washington Nationals were on top of the world – The Post
The Washington Nationals shocking first half of the 2005, especially the month of June, is recalled by the original Post beat writer, Barry Svrluga. It was simply a magical time when the reality of a D.C. baseball team exceeded the dream. [...]

I have not been paying very much attention to the continuing saga of the Nats ballpark this week, it is getting very old and not much is really happening or will be for sometime. Anyhow, here are a few articles from the past few days:
D.C. Metro Fund Weighed To Boost Navy Yard StopLand Sale Possible [...]

Powell Gives Thoughts On Stadium Deal – WRC-TVFormer Secretary Of State Colin Powell was on This Week with George Stephanopoulos on Sunday. The two talked about a bunch of unimportant things for a while and then the topic of the Nats came up. The transcript follows:
Buying the Nationals?
Stephanopoulos: You mentioned Washington, D.C. You want to [...]

In D.C. Drama Over Baseball, It’s Hard to Tell Who’s on First – The PostRemember that gigantic sucking sound last week? It was the leadership vacuum in the District and whenever there is a giant sucking sound in D.C. you know that Marion Barry (file photo) is not far behind.
Oh and just a reminder, Carol [...]

Nats Bidders Told Not to Offer Funds – The PostAfter two prospective groups (Ledecky and Haney) tried to assure D.C. that they would pay for cost overruns, MLB e-mailed the prospective groups with instructions to refrain from offering to pitch in.
So, when it comes down to it the District wants Nats owners to take over [...]

Barry Acted to Block Stadium – The PostMarion Barry (D, Ward-8) is making his presence known again and no good can come from that, can it? This article details how he tried to create a deal with prospective owner Jonathan Ledecky on cost overruns. Barry was rallying support on the council for this move, but [...]

Council Vote on Stadium Delayed – The PostMore on the ballpark lease vote delay. The mayor just does not have the votes. MLB is prepared to go to arbitration too.
More from The Wash. Times: D.C. Council defers stadium vote & The Wash. Examiner: Stadium lease vote delayed
Without Lease, Nats Are on Shaky Ground – The [...]

Robinson to Return As Nationals Manager – The PostFrank Robinson signed a one-year contract to stay on as Nats manager.
The decision, though, was agonizing for both sides, according to sources with knowledge of the situation. Some high-ranking Nationals front-office members occasionally became frustrated with Robinson’s strategic maneuvers.
Pitching coach Randy St. Claire and bench coach Eddie [...]

Williams, MLB Turn Up Heat On Council’s Stadium Foes – The PostWait a minute, could it be the mayor is actually trying to encourage people to support the ballpark by talking to them one on one?
It could be a day late and a dollar short at this point.
More from The Wash. Times: Mayor hits [...]

MLB: DON’T BUILD AT RFK
Baseball Opposes Moving Stadium – The PostMLB sent a letter to Linda Cropp telling her and the council that they are not on board with building the new ballpark at RFK. It would might be cheaper for the District, but would have less of an economic upside. I agree with MLB, [...]